Announcing the 2026 Mattering Summit
Hosted collaboratively by the You Matter Marathon and The Flourishing Center
Announcing the 2026 Mattering Summit
Hosted collaboratively by the You Matter Marathon and The Flourishing Center
“A society thrives when people feel valued.
Mattering isn’t just personal—it’s the foundation for a healthier world.”
— Cheryl Rice, Founder, You Matter Marathon
About the Mattering Summit
The Mattering Summit is a two‑day virtual global gathering free for all to attend.
There is no financial exchange. Instead, the Summit is fueled by a shared commitment to advancing the message of mattering. This first‑of‑its‑kind event is driven by our collective passion for human connection and significance, elevating leading voices in the field while expanding awareness, sparking collaboration, and amplifying impact around the world.
Schedule
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
US ET 11:00am – 1:00pm / 5:00pm – 8:00pm
US PT 8:00am – 10:00am / 2:00pm – 5:00pm
UK/Ireland 5:00pm – 6:00pm / 10:00pm – 1:00am
EU/CET 6:00pm – 7:00pm / 11:00pm – 2:00am
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
US ET 11:00am – 1:00pm / 5:00pm – 8:00pm
US PT 8:00am – 10:00am / 2:00pm – 5:00pm
UK/Ireland 5:00pm – 6:00pm / 10:00pm – 1:00am
EU/CET 6:00pm – 7:00pm / 11:00pm – 2:00am
About the Mattering Summit
The Mattering Summit is a two‑day virtual global gathering free for all to attend.
There is no financial exchange. Instead, the Summit is fueled by a shared commitment to advancing the message of mattering. This first‑of‑its‑kind event is driven by our collective passion for human connection and significance, elevating leading voices in the field while expanding awareness, sparking collaboration, and amplifying impact around the world.
Schedule
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
US ET 11:00am – 5:00pm
US PT 8:00am – 2:00pm
UK/Ireland 4:00pm – 10:00pm / 5:00pm – 11:00pm
EU/CET 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
US ET 11:00am – 5:00pm
US PT 8:00am – 2:00pm
UK/Ireland 4:00pm – 10:00pm / 5:00pm – 11:00pm
EU/CET 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Agenda – Coming Soon
Our Purpose
Every human being matters. The purpose of the Mattering Summit is to spark a global awakening to the power of mattering—within ourselves, between one another, and around the world.
Our Mission
The Mattering Summit invites a global community of thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and citizens to share expertise, passion, and resources. Together our synergy will expand the reach, impact, and everyday practice of mattering.
Focus Areas
The Mattering Summit is a speaker forum offering three interconnected dimensions of mattering: self, others, and the global society.
1. Mattering to Self
Providing research, practices, and tools to help individuals recognize their own significance, cultivate inner worth, and practice self-compassion.
2. Mattering to Others
Highlighting the essential role of social connection for thriving. This area focuses on kindness, empathy, communication, gratitude, belonging, and the power of reaching out—how the simple act of letting another person know “You matter” can transform relationships and communities.
3. Mattering in Society
Offering inspiring examples of how institutions, workplaces, schools, and public spaces build cultures of mattering. This area brings forward research and innovations in community building, policy, organizational culture, and social justice.
Each area of focus in the Mattering Summit will invite attendees to learn, reflect, collaborate, and take action in ways that create real-world ripples of connection and change.
This Summit Is for You If:
- You’ve ever felt unseen or overlooked—and want tools to remind yourself (and others) that every person matters.
- You’re interested in strengthening connection, compassion, and trust in your relationships, workplace, or community.
- You believe kindness and mattering can change lives.
- You want to help create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to belong.
- You’re a leader, educator, professional, or engaged citizen looking for practical ideas to put mattering into action in your work or community.
Confirmed Speakers – More to Come!
Nina Sherak
Mattering Summit Director
Melody Bridgewater
You Matter Marathon and Mattering Summit COO
Angela Deep
You Matter Marathon and Mattering Summit Communications Director
Jibri Trawick
You Matter Marathon and Mattering Summit Video Director
Emiliya Zhivotovskaya
Recovering Chief Everything Officer (CEO) & Founder, The Flourishing Center
Louis Alloro
Champion of Change, LouisAlloro.com
Brad Aronson
Author of the national bestseller, HumanKind Changing the World One Small Act At a Time | Teacher | Angel Investor
Zach Mercurio
Author, The Power of Mattering and The Invisible Leader
Stephen Post
Author, Pure Unlimited Love
Selena Rezvani
Leadership Author & Speaker
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
Award-Winning Philosopher, Writer, and Public Intellectual
Rabiya Karamali
Instructor, Doctoral Candidate, Positive Psychology Practitioner
Vicki O’Grady
Founder of The You Matter Compassion Project featuring the red YOU MATTER cards, Retired Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Florida
Dr. Sarah Bennison
CEO, Mattering Movement
Sonja Lyubomirsky
Professor and author of How to Feel Loved
Braxton Kilgo
Entrepreneur, Speaker, and the Founder of I Believe In You (IBIY)
Jonathan Fields
Dad, Husband, Award-winning Author, Executive Producer, and Host of the top-ranked podcast, Good Life Project®
Soon To Be Announced
Soon To Be Announced
“Well-being is achieved when people feel that they matter: that they are valued and that they add value.”
— Isaac Prilleltensky
The You Matter Marathon is a project of Cheryl Rice Leadership, Inc.
© Copyright 2014-2026 You Matter Marathon
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